Canadiens Decisions Looming For Development Of Top Prospects

The Montreal Canadiens have done a great job in developing their young players this season. However, there are too many players to develop for the team at the moment. The team is trying to prop up their veterans before the NHL Trade Deadline. Calling up players like Anthony Richard or Jesse Ylönen just to have them sit as the 13th forward doesn't advance development.

The Montreal Canadiens are focusing on the development of their young players. Juraj Slafkovsky, Justin Barron Ylönen and Jordan Harris are among the players who suffer in the process. The team's recent poor performance has affected their confidence. Slafaevsky has shown some good flashes this season, but he needs more time to develop his game. If the team can improve its play and play well, then it makes sense to keep him in NHL. It's a far cry from the strategy that was employed last spring, where Caufield and Suzuki were allowed to roam free and develop their offensive game, and prospects like Jesse Yrönen and JordanHarris were played in prominent roles.

Justin Barron was called up from the Laval Rocket after a string of good performances. Martin St-Louis played him sparingly for three games during the Canadiens’ road trip and benched him the last three. It's a direct contrast from when Barron joined the team less than a year ago. Corey Schueneman is a stopgap for the club until Mike Matheson returns from injury in two weeks. It feels like the day-to-day evaluation of prospects, rather than the long-term view of what's best for them, is at odds with the Montreal Canadiens' developmental strategy.

Sean Monahan and Mike Matheson are coming back from injury. The Canadiens will have to send down Juraj Slafkovsky and Justin Barron. They will focus on development of their top prospects instead of promoting veterans. The team will make a decision before the NHL Trade Deadline.